The BMW WilliamsF1 Team concluded their final test of the year today at
the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain. Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc
Gené were on hand to perform testing duties, and concluded the intensive
preparation programme for the imminent introduction of the WilliamsF1
BMW FW26, which will be officially launched on Monday 5th January, 2004,
in Valencia.

During the four day test, the team worked on systems and reliability
checks of the new gearbox and BMW P84 engine, as well as electronic set
up and traction control routines. The wet weather at the start of the
week enabled ample testing of the Michelin intermediate and wet tyres.

Ho-Pin Tung joined the team on Thursday, a reward for his outstanding
performances in the Formula BMW Asia ADAC Championshp this year. The 21
year old completed 42 laps in a 2002 FW24 and made history as the first
ever Chinese driver to test a Formula One car.

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1):

"We've had another
productive test at Jerez this week with Juan Pablo Montoya and Marc
Gené, running in the FW25 and FW25B respectively, in readiness for
the imminent launch of the FW26. Juan Pablo primarily worked on tyre
testing with Michelin and with the unpredictable weather we've been able
to test the intermediate and wet weather compounds. In addition, Juan
also carried out some set up work and developed some traction control
routines."

"Marc, meanwhile, concentrated on systems checks and reliability work
with the new engine and gearbox which proved quite productive in
highlighting some key areas on which to focus before the FW26 arrives.
Towards the end of the test, Marc also completed some tyre testing for
Michelin."

"On Thursday, Ho-Pin Tung assisted with our general test programme,
driving the FW24. He worked well with the engineering team and
demonstrated a good degree of competence and ability over the course of
the day. His lap time was very respectable for someone who hadn't driven
anything like a Formula One car before today."

"After this week we have a test ban over Christmas and it is good to
see that the test team pushed hard right through to the end of the
test. However, the next couple of weeks will be far from a holiday as
the whole factory will be busy preparing the FW26 for it's first test
straight after New Year in Jerez.

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"The last test of the year was completed with Juan Pablo and Marc.
There was a lot of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday so the team used this
opportunity for tyre testing with Michelin who had brought some new
casings to Jerez. While the tyre tests were performed with the FW25
and BMW P83 engine, we ran one P84 engine in another car. We managed
to complete the scheduled distances without incurring any problems as
well as collating some valuable set up data at the same time. It was
therefore a positive test for the team."